The Constitution Study podcast

Today, July 4th 2026, is the semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Two hundred and fifty years is certainly an anniversary worth celebrating. Sadly, in our exuberance to celebrate, many have also shown their ignorance both of the document and our history. Today, in honor of the semiquincentennial, I want to look at both the history and the document that was such a turning point in our history.

Most of us probably remember the TV Game Show "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader", where contestants attempted to answer fifth grade questions for prizes. The answers given were often hilarious. What if they weren't fifth grade questions, but civics questions? Would that answer the American people give still be funny?

The Constitution delegates to Congress the power to regulate commerce "among the several States". What makes commerce not just commerce interstate? That's part of the question the Supreme Court was asked to answer in the case Flowers v. Brock.

Racism is wrong. At least that's what I've been told my entire life. But if racism is wrong, why do so many people demand we make decisions based on race? Is an election fair if the people are vote are racially chosen? If it was wrong for people to be denied the representation because of their race, why is it OK for them to deny representation to others for the same reason? Is choosing representation based on race is wrong? That is the question presented to the Supreme Court in the case LOUISIANA v. CALLAIS ET AL.

When is the use of lethal force legal in the United State? In every state of the union, lethal force can be used to protect an innocent part from an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury. But is that the only time? A recently signed bill in Tennessee defines other situations where deadly force can lawfully be used within the state.